“Thank you for coming,” she said, keeping her voice steady. “I know this is upsetting and you’re scared. I am too. We all are. But I won’t let whoever’s behind this win. And if you’re still with me, I’ll fight for your safety and the safety of this project.”
She swallowed hard. “I’m also offering hazard pay until this is resolved. But if you need to walk away? No hard feelings. I understand.”
A long pause passed as the crew took it in. Then Travis shifted his weight and muttered loud enough for everyone to hear. “Guess that’s what happens when you piss off the wrong people.”
The crew heard it. Hell, she heard it. No one said a word. A few of the guys looked away. No one defended her.
Lainey started to speak, but Finn asked if he could answer. She nodded.
Finn raised a brow and stared at Travis. “That sounds an awful lot like insider knowledge.” He didn’t smile. “Anything you want to share?”
Travis didn’t answer. Just stared at the ground like it might save him.
Finn let the silence stretch for a long minute before continuing.
“We’re installing more cameras. Improving the lighting. And starting today, there’s going to be a locked entry gate that stays shut until morning. Also, we’re increasing patrols until this is finished.”
He swept his gaze across the crew. “We’re protecting our own.”
Several murmurs were heard.
As Lainey looked out at the crew, something steadied in her gut. Travis’s comment still goaded her, but she didn’t let it show. Maybe he wasn’t wrong. Maybe someone was gunning for her.
But she could promise to do all that she could to make sure the crew and site were safe and that she wasn’t giving up.
Not again. Not ever.
CHAPTER 21
Lainey staredat her reflection in the lobby window of City Hall. Who was that woman looking back at her? That woman looked tired, beaten down.
Is that me?
Her heart was pounding. But she couldn’t stand outside forever. She’d been asked—no, summoned—to speak to the town council about recent security concerns.
Today could make or break her. She’d dressed for battle. She’d pulled her hair into a loose twist. Wore her grandmother’s locket for courage, put on a beige structured blazer with trousers and a white top with a rounded neckline. Classic, simple. No nonsense.
She stepped into the council chamber. Five council members sat at a long, polished wood table that faced a podium, giving her pointed looks. Her stomach dropped. This wasn’t going to go well.
Although this wasn’t her first time here.
Not that long ago, she’d stood at that very podium presenting her proposal to revitalize the historic district. It would be a private-public partnership with the town fast-tracking permits, a tax incentive, and in return, she’d invest her own money toredevelop a small portion of the district with the ability to focus on the rest if the council was satisfied.
It wasn’t a city job.
Nope, that ship had sailed in Charleston.
But it was still an incredible opportunity to secure her reputation in Haywood Lake. She was grateful that her professor in urban planning saw her passion and ability. He recommended her to a friend on the Haywood Lake Redevelopment Authority who approved her application and forwarded it to the town manager.
Inside, a couple of reporters filled the front row. Behind them, local business owners and a few concerned residents murmured in the audience. She spotted Gus in the back row, arms folded across his chest. Autumn was there, too, and several familiar faces: Naomi, Tessa and Emelia.
Finn and Caleb were sitting in the back with a serious, tall, blond-haired guy. That must be Chase. Finn said he might come today.
Councilwoman Dillard knocked three times with the gavel and called the meeting to order.
“We’re here today to discuss issues at the historic redevelopment project.” She scanned the audience. “Lainey Harper, would you come forward?”
Lainey got up from her seat, her palms sweaty, and took her place at the podium in front of the council.
